Whalen was an undrafted rookie in 2012, who spent the entire season on injured reserve. Since then, the Stanford alum has bounced between Indy's active roster and practice squad. But he does have a connection with quarterback Andrew Luck, his former college teammate.

Whalen has played in three games this season and caught two passes for 28 yards.

The move comes one week after coach Chuck Pagano confirmed Pro Bowl receiver Reggie Wayne would miss the rest of the season with a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee.

To take Whalen's spot on the practice squad, Indy (5-2) re-signed center Thomas Austin who spent he first month of the season on Indy's practice squad.